How To Get Your Chickens To Like You?

[Pentatonchix]

Hey everyone,

I have five 17 week old chicks. A couple of them are really sweet and playful, but a couple of them run away from me. I have been giving them mealworms as treats, but only after carrying them to try and get them to like being held. It hasn't worked very well on a couple of them, but others now run up to me whenever I visit them. I have always carried them and given them attention their whole lives, so I'm not sure why they are afraid. Does anyone have any tips on how to get my chicks to want to approach me more?

Thanks!

 

[Fuchsia]

Mine always like me after I give them treats, but if I don't give them treats often they run away from me.

 

[RainbowHen]

Get down to their level. Move slow. Never approach them from above. That's what predators do. Sit on the ground with them if you can. Pet their chests, not their backs. Best of luck!

 

[rosemarythyme]

It's their age. Until they begin laying they'll be more skittish and then should revert to a calmer state once hormones start balancing out.

 

[Callender Girl]

And, no matter how good the advice or how well you follow it, some chickens -- much like some cats -- will simply never be cuddly. I think it's a personality thing. As long as they show up when I'm trying to get everyone back into the coop for the night, I'm happy. With a few of mine, it's the best interaction I can get.

 

[Aapomp831]

Let it be. Not all chickens are cuddly... it’s just not in their nature. Embrace the ones that are, and let the others be.